The main ballroom will be filled with dancing to music mixed by DJ David Knapp. The tickets to the party include an open bar featuring cocktails by Grey Goose Vodka, a major sponsor. For those wishing to make it a serious night of mayhem, there are also room packages at the Four Seasons that include valet parking.

VIP lounges are very popular at the Jerusalem House parties and this one will be no different. Since the theme of the party is “Four Seasons” with different areas of the party representing a different season, the VIP area is winter and is aptly named the Chill Lounge. There will be a private bar and hot hors d’oeuvres served. The VIP lounge will also have local favorite DJ Mike Pope spinning exclusively for that room.

“The money that we raise from this event provides us with general operating expenses for our housing programs. We do get foundation and government grants that need to be applied to very specific purposes. The money that is raised at this event, however, helps us to fill the gaps where there is no grant money,” Wan says.

Larry Wilcox, a former client turned board member for Jerusalem House, was on death’s door when friends delivered him to Jerusalem House back in 1996.

“When I got there, I had a single T cell left” he says. “I named that T cell ‘Abraham’ and he multiplied. I’m now up to over 800.”

Jerusalem House helped Wilcox regain his health and rebuild his life.

“When I moved in, everyone expected me to die soon. I had lost my job and my insurance and it was my last resort. They gave me this safe place to live and a sense of dignity,” he says. “When the meds came out, I was able to get those meds and focus on getting well instead of worrying about how I would pay my bills.”

Jerusalem House also supplied Wilcox with support systems. He was able to bond with other residents, get transportation to medical appointments and have aides who would help him with things like grocery shopping.

When Wilcox regained his strength and his health improved, Jerusalem House assisted him in transitioning back into the world by supplementing his rent payment when he moved into his own apartment.

“They take such good care of you that you only have to focus on either getting better or dying. I wanted to walk out of there and that’s what I did. In 1998, I was able to move myself out and I’ve been out ever since.”

Wilcox also notes that the biggest benefit to the clients at Jerusalem House is just having a roof over their heads.

“The people who are out on the streets without a home don’t last as long” he notes. “That stable environment is so very key to their survival.”

Sign-up for our Newsletter

Get the Georgia Voice in your Inbox

Email *

Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Georgia Voice - Gay & LGBT Atlanta. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

By submitting this form, you are granting: The Georgia Voice, PO Box 77401, Atlanta, GA, 30357, permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy (http://constantcontact.com/legal/privacy-statement) for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.